Busselton Jetty – Community Support Requests

Our Community Commitment 

Busselton Jetty is more than a landmark. As a member-based, not-for-profit organisation, Busselton Jetty Incorporated (BJI) is proud to be a place where people of all ages can connect with the ocean, local stories and each other.

Through our programs, partnerships, and visitor experiences, we aim to make the Jetty welcoming, accessible and meaningful for everyone. Our work includes educational outreach, youth development, seniors’ programs, volunteering opportunities and partnerships with local organisations.

Through this support, we aim to strengthen community connections, encourage inclusion and accessibility, inspire care for the marine environment and contribute to a thriving local community.

Two Community Support Rounds Each Year

BJI accepts community support applications throughout the year. Applications are assessed through two scheduled rounds:

• March assessment round
• September assessment round

Applications are not assessed as they are received. Each application will be held for consideration in the next available assessment round.

Requests must be submitted before the relevant round and early enough for a decision to be made before the support is required. Urgent requests cannot generally be considered outside the March and September rounds.

How We Support the Community 

BJI welcomes requests from schools, community groups, charities, not-for-profit organisations, and local initiatives.

Support may include:

• Tickets or tour support for community and group purposes
• Guest speakers or educational presentations
• Raffle prizes or fundraising support
• Community partnership opportunities
• Support for local programs, events, or awareness initiatives
• Longer-term partnerships that deliver shared community or environmental outcomes

All requests are considered against our guidelines, available resources, and operational capacity.

Who We Prioritise

Priority is generally given to requests that deliver a clear benefit to the local community, including those from:

• Schools and educational programs
• Environmental and conservation initiatives
• Not-for-profit and community groups
• Charitable organisations
• Local programs and volunteering initiatives
• Partnerships with a clear community, educational or environmental outcome

Preference is given to requests from within the City of Busselton. Requests from outside the region may be considered where they strongly align with BJI’s purpose and available resources.

What We Generally Can’t Support

We are generally unable to support:

• Requests for free tickets for individuals
• Cash contributions
• Commercial promotions without a clear community benefit
• Requests requiring a decision before the next scheduled assessment round
• Requests not submitted through the formal application process
• Fundraising activities that do not align with our purpose
• Requests for tickets to the Underwater Observatory

Ticket requests will only be considered for the Marine Discovery Centre or the Rio Tinto Solar Express Train.

Ticket Terms and Conditions

Where ticket support is approved:

• Tickets are not valid during Western Australian school holidays or public holidays
• Bookings are essential and subject to availability
• Tickets are not transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash
• Tickets cannot be resold or exchanged
• Misuse may result in the cancellation of support

All ticket support is provided at the discretion of Busselton Jetty Incorporated and remains subject to our standard operating terms and conditions.

How We Assess Requests

All applications are assessed together during the March or September community support round.

Requests are assessed based on:

• Alignment with BJI’s purpose and social impact priorities
• Community or environmental benefit
• Relevance to the Busselton region
• Inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing outcomes
• Educational or volunteering value
• Mutual or shared benefit
• The time, cost and operational resources required

Requests are considered within their relevant category, such as ticket support, speakers, fundraising support or partnerships.

Applying does not guarantee support, but it ensures each request is reviewed fairly and consistently alongside the other applications received for that round.

Budget and Availability

Each year, BJI allocates a set budget and level of resources across the two community support rounds.

Once the available budget or capacity for a round has been allocated, suitable requests may be deferred to the next round where appropriate.

Application and Response Timeframe

• Applications may be submitted at any time.
• Applications are only assessed during the March and September rounds.
• Applications received after the March assessment begins will be held for the September round.
• Applications received after the September assessment begins will be held for the following March round.
• Applicants will be advised whether their request has been approved, partially approved, deferred or declined following the relevant round.
• BJI is generally unable to assess urgent or late requests outside the two scheduled rounds.

How to Apply

All community support requests must be submitted through the online application form below.

The form helps us understand:

• Your organisation, group or event
• The type of support requested
• The date the support is required
• Who will benefit
• The intended community impact
• How the request aligns with BJI’s community, educational, environmental, or social priorities
• Any relevant supporting information

Requests made by phone, email or social media cannot be assessed unless they are submitted through the formal application process.

For questions about the process, please contact CommunityRequests@busseltonjetty.com.au.

All support is provided at the discretion of Busselton Jetty Incorporated and is subject to budget, availability, and operational capacity.